The authors introduce the Relationship Decision Making Box (RDMB) as an activity for couples to explore their decision-making process. It is meant to be a systematic way for couples to work together in understanding and respecting their respective relationship decision-making strategies. The RDMB can also be used by counselors in conjoint couple's therapy.

Respect is one of the cornerstones of healthy relationships. The article features the Couple’s Respect Questionnaire as a tool for couples to explore specific examples and qualities of respect in their relationship. The four Rs are presented as core components of respect. They consist of Respect for differences, Responsibility (ability to respond respectfully), Review (a willingness to review), and Release (a willingness to release). Following a profile of the assessed behaviors, a stepwise procedure is outlined to increase a couple’s respect and understanding of behavioral and personality differences.

The present article features two problem-solving activities for couples for improving their relationship. The first is called The One Hour Conference. It consists of a suggested format for couples to dialogue both areas of concern and perceived strengths in their partnership. The second activity is a developmental six-step model in which the specific skills of cooperation, autonomy, intimacy, encouragement, and balance are highlighted. A case study and 15 additional problem-solving activities featured in past "for couples'' columns conclude the article.

The authors introduce a couple’s planned renegotiation matrix as an example of a relationship problem-solving activity. It is based on a planned renegotiation model originally proposed by Sherwood and Glidewell. The couple is then invited to complete their own matrices based on the model. Following a couple case study example, 15 additional relationship problem-solving activities conclude the article.

My ·rst comment on Adler’s article relates to the creative title itself. On Halloween, Western children all dressed up in costumes utter the classic phrase “trick or treat” as they open their bags in hopes of obtaining a treat. Adler takes the term trick and creatively uses it to illustrate the many ways in which we trick ourselves by devising various ways of coping with life.

Metaphors are creative ways of drawing comparisons. Metaphors are also a way of exploring relationship role perceptions. The authors describe how to use the six slices of a relationship metaphoric pie to explore and to strengthen relationships within couples. Metaphor use in everyday language, the arts, and case examples are provided. You as a couple are invited to complete your own Couples Metaphoric Interview Matrices. The article concludes with additional role perception activities from previous "for couples'' columns in the Family Journal.

The concept of Japanese Bushido and its seven virtues were introduced by the authors in this article for the practice and application of couple communication. The Bushido Matrix Worksheet (BMW) was created for enhancing couple's awareness and understanding of each other's values and experiences. An activity and a case study to demonstrate the use of the BMW were also included.

The author summarizes and provides an annotated bibliography based on 18 years of writing the ``For Couples'' column in The Family Journal. Articles are organized utilizing Jay Haley's (1973) four ways of assessing couples including: understanding and respecting personality differences; role perceptions; communication skills; and problem-solving skills. The author also describes eight guidelines and recommendations for others writing about couple relationships.

Metaphors are creative ways of drawing comparisons. Metaphors are also a way of exploring relationship role perceptions. The authors describe how to use the six slices of a relationship metaphoric pie to explore and to strengthen relationships within couples. Metaphor use in everyday language, the arts, and case examples are provided. You as a couple are invited to complete your own Couples Metaphoric Interview Matrices. The article concludes with additional role perception activities from previous “for couples” columns in the Family Journal.

The purpose of the following article is to share some of the personal relationship comments and to provide a tribute to the significant 93 years that Albert Ellis lived and also make major contributions to the counseling profession.

The Couple’s Personality Preferences Questionnaire (CPPQ) provides a self-scoring relational assessment methodology. The questionnaire may be used by clinicians in the practice of couple and marriage counseling.